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TDM #4
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
The Lobby.
- When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you have died and so has the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are mingling on the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
- If you're one of the unlucky few whose death required a bit more intensive re-coding to maintain stability in the simulation, you'll instead awaken on a bed in the infirmary. Everything is strikingly white save for the occasional string of vines with lavender growing in bursts to help keep people calm. Whether or not it works seems to be on a case-by-case basis.
While there is no active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is there to explain the situation in a more delicate manner to these individuals. It's already stressful enough having to have gone through such a violent death, after all!
If characters want more questions answered, they'll need to speak to The Peacekeeper directly. But first, it will encourage socialization in the main hub and hopefully, you'll find someone you recognize to make taking things in a little easier.
WHAT
The fourth Amani TDM!
WHEN
April 21st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Tickling
★ Facials
★ School Uniforms
★ Sharing
★ Hurt/Comfort
★ Facials
★ School Uniforms
★ Sharing
★ Hurt/Comfort
WELCOME
Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming echoes through the first floor. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "Please, watch your step since there's quite a few puddles around. If you'd like, there is cake, some refreshments, and some eggs for you in these trying times. If they feel warmer than usual, that's because they're going to hatch soon!"
While the Peacekeeper doesn't elaborate, as usual, simulation inhabitants are free to notice the eggs that either they gathered or are still littering the simulation are now warm to the touch, give off a faint glow, and may even move subtly now and again if watched.
Dark, ominous clouds begin to gather over every piece of sky in the simulation and before long blot out the sun. Sheets of rain begin to pour down almost without warning. Hopefully, you've managed to fix those leaks in your house! Or maybe you're finding new ones...
Lightning splits the sky with a dramatic crackle and thunder booms not long after it. The wind howls and the worst of the storm won't relent for a few hours at the least. Even after, the rain will linger for days on and off to varying degrees of severity.
While the weather has taken a turn for the gloomy, that doesn't mean that simulation inhabitants have to be! In fact, it may feel somewhat refreshing as if the rain is washing away any negativity lingering after The Overseer's masquerade. Whether by her design or not, she - nor The Peacekeeper - will say but it does seem that she wants to keep relations as peaceful between the simulation inhabitants and creators as she can.
Of course, your buckets might not just be catching water. With the rising water levels, the fish that inhabit the simulation's waters are just as confused as anyone else. Even more confusing is the glitch causing them to transform once they find themselves on solid (mostly) ground.
Thankfully, they don't change into anything harmful. Well, maybe to your teeth since an abundance of sweet treats is bound to cause a cavity or two... Not to mention the other odd effects that food here is known to have.
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
While the Peacekeeper doesn't elaborate, as usual, simulation inhabitants are free to notice the eggs that either they gathered or are still littering the simulation are now warm to the touch, give off a faint glow, and may even move subtly now and again if watched.
APRIL SHOWERS
Granted, there are bigger things to worry about such as the storm that's rolling in.Dark, ominous clouds begin to gather over every piece of sky in the simulation and before long blot out the sun. Sheets of rain begin to pour down almost without warning. Hopefully, you've managed to fix those leaks in your house! Or maybe you're finding new ones...
Lightning splits the sky with a dramatic crackle and thunder booms not long after it. The wind howls and the worst of the storm won't relent for a few hours at the least. Even after, the rain will linger for days on and off to varying degrees of severity.
While the weather has taken a turn for the gloomy, that doesn't mean that simulation inhabitants have to be! In fact, it may feel somewhat refreshing as if the rain is washing away any negativity lingering after The Overseer's masquerade. Whether by her design or not, she - nor The Peacekeeper - will say but it does seem that she wants to keep relations as peaceful between the simulation inhabitants and creators as she can.
ONE FISH, TWO FISH...
The constant rain brings water levels of the rivers and eddies up at an alarming rate. Flooding is inevitable and, hopefully, the place you've claimed as your own isn't in the way. If it is, you might want to get the buckets ready or consider a relocation!Of course, your buckets might not just be catching water. With the rising water levels, the fish that inhabit the simulation's waters are just as confused as anyone else. Even more confusing is the glitch causing them to transform once they find themselves on solid (mostly) ground.
Thankfully, they don't change into anything harmful. Well, maybe to your teeth since an abundance of sweet treats is bound to cause a cavity or two... Not to mention the other odd effects that food here is known to have.
- ★ Taiyaki » Despite having just jumped out of the chilly waters, these tasty treats will be warm to the touch and generate steam. After biting into one, you'll radiate warmth no matter what for a brief period of time. Being a walking furnace sure is nice with this damp, cold atmosphere... Maybe you'll find a friend or two to huddle up with and keep warm.
★ Swedish Fish » Eating one of these stretchy, gummy candies will increase your flexibility. Literally and metaphorically! It might be easier to be convinced to do something you wouldn't have before and now you can bend just the right way to make it extra fun.
★ Hard Fish Candy » These tart candies will render someone unable to speak until it completely dissolves. This can take a while, too, since they seem to be persistantly stuck to the roof of your mouth! Yet, don't underestimate the power of body language to speak your mind.
★ Chocolate Sardines » Eating one of these rich bite-sized treats will make you sweeter. No, really! Candy kisses isn't just an expression after eating these fish. You taste delicious. Maybe too delicious... Be careful! Once someone gets a taste of you, they might not want to stop anytime soon.
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
RAINING CATS AND DOGS
While the fishy foods are odd enough as is, another glitch appears to be occurring throughout the simulation but this time originates not from the rain but The Peacekeeper's humble musings. "Did you know," speaks the resident AI, "that there is an expression called 'raining cats and dogs'? I think that's such a curious saying! It made me wonder what it might actually look like..."
Following the strange, unexpected 'announcement,' inhabitants may begin to notice large globs of water falling periodically from the sky now amidst the regular rain. When they hit the ground with a large splash, nothing is there... at first. The water will burst apart only to reassemble into a canine or feline friend. Well, it's shaped like a dog or a cat.
Due to the sudden nature of their spawning though, some things aren't quite right. Perhaps that cat has only three legs instead of four; a dog may be missing an eye, an ear, or even its tail. And those are the more tame oddities! While the unique animals aren't overly abundant there are still a good number that spawn across the days of rain. Don't be surprised if a dog takes up shelter from the storm on your porch or you come home to a cat you don't own having climbed through a loose window.
While this might be exactly the addition to your home that you wanted, it doesn't change the leaky roof or broken window in your new place. Or, unfortunately, the fact that there's no extra space for a pet yet. No, unfortunately that will still need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important!
It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
Following the strange, unexpected 'announcement,' inhabitants may begin to notice large globs of water falling periodically from the sky now amidst the regular rain. When they hit the ground with a large splash, nothing is there... at first. The water will burst apart only to reassemble into a canine or feline friend. Well, it's shaped like a dog or a cat.
Due to the sudden nature of their spawning though, some things aren't quite right. Perhaps that cat has only three legs instead of four; a dog may be missing an eye, an ear, or even its tail. And those are the more tame oddities! While the unique animals aren't overly abundant there are still a good number that spawn across the days of rain. Don't be surprised if a dog takes up shelter from the storm on your porch or you come home to a cat you don't own having climbed through a loose window.
While this might be exactly the addition to your home that you wanted, it doesn't change the leaky roof or broken window in your new place. Or, unfortunately, the fact that there's no extra space for a pet yet. No, unfortunately that will still need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important!
It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
SEEING PINK
ear the end of the week, the rain finally relents and temperatures continue to gradually increase. Those May flowers can't quite seem to wait though since several of the trees lining the edge of the forest bloom brilliant pink blossoms that a DTF will be able to identify as love blossoms. While the blooms won't last very long, they certainly are using all the time they have to take over.
The pollen is one thing. It may start out as just a tickle in your nose or stuffy head but eventually turns into something much more lovely. You're tickled pink about almost everything, it seems, and want to share that happiness with others. And who needs rose-colored glasses when almost everywhere one looks there's a string of love blossoms blooming?
These invasive flowers are in your garden, along the vines in the city, and even sprawling through the main hub! It actually seems almost impossible to avoid them. The Peacekeeper assures inhabitants that it isn't purposeful and just the natural cycle of the love blossoms.
Enjoy the mood-lifting and groin-tingling effects while they last! The love blossoms will only linger for a few days, at most, before receding back to the forest line and eventually falling dormant again until next spring.
The pollen is one thing. It may start out as just a tickle in your nose or stuffy head but eventually turns into something much more lovely. You're tickled pink about almost everything, it seems, and want to share that happiness with others. And who needs rose-colored glasses when almost everywhere one looks there's a string of love blossoms blooming?
These invasive flowers are in your garden, along the vines in the city, and even sprawling through the main hub! It actually seems almost impossible to avoid them. The Peacekeeper assures inhabitants that it isn't purposeful and just the natural cycle of the love blossoms.
Enjoy the mood-lifting and groin-tingling effects while they last! The love blossoms will only linger for a few days, at most, before receding back to the forest line and eventually falling dormant again until next spring.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!NOTES
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
★ The kinks of the month have changed! Be sure to check this post for what the new ones are. Also, give a congratulations to Corrin (
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fatefulprince) as the as the new leader of the sexy leaderboard! 🎉★ The effects of the strange fish candies can, as always, be as heavy or light as you'd like! It can be chalked up to differences in resistance, non-humanity or not, etc. etc. Also, they can mixed-and-matched! Have fun with that.
★ The flora and fauna page will be updated. It's also still open for player suggestions! All you need to do now is link your check-in (or player claim) comment to make a submission!
★ Make sure to dunk your questions/feedback in the thread below!
NAVIGATION
no subject
Hubert contemplates silently, bringing a hand to his chin, eyes narrowing in thought. He has not really had a moment to breathe and think this through in a way he would like.]
Might I inquire if you remember your own death? To be clear, I don't disagree in the least. There is a foulness afoot and lies plenty. I have a theory or two but...
no subject
[ His expression was serious but still - a calm heralding a certain kind of choice. Some people might feel a chill when seeing it - but Hubert would have no context. ]
I had been abducted previously, along with many - though not all - of those here.
That place had taken my sister, my beloved, and friends and rivals alike - placed them in hospital to be experimented on indefinitely.
I grew tired of waiting for their supposed eventual recovery.
But before I could attack - I found myself here. It seems too good a coincidence.
no subject
[Abducted. It only takes him a moment before his eyes narrow in what he believes is understanding.]
Are you speaking of that nameless isle I have heard so much about?
[He's not terribly sure why but that whole situation rankles him. Nearly everyone he knows or has spoken to has come from there. It feels like a peace treaty was made and he was not there for it. Not to mention the other unsavory information that he has been given about the happenings that went there.
Hubert's gaze refocuses. It doesn't really matter where everyone came from first. Not in this particular situation anyway.]
I don't disagree... I have a rather delicate question, if you don't mind. In the place you came before was there also a demand for intimacy? Was it used as a currency as it is here?
no subject
[ It’s a shot in the dark, but Zechs thought it’s a pretty reasonable guess. ]
[ Zechs’ gaze was weighty, analyzing the stranger. Considering his responses in turn. ]
Your guess is correct. I suppose that is why I’ve adjusted quickly to a second kidnapping.
no subject
[Bitterness runs deep in his voice. He can usually hide disdain or at least make it come off as sarcasm. Not this time. But he breathes out slowly in an attempt to collect himself.]
Not that it matters. [It matters a lot actually.] Adjusting to kidnapping... What are your theories then, if you have any?
no subject
[ For now, though, he answered Hubert. ]
It seems as if this is a place for people too intractable for the Augur. Whether or not they remember the island - the Peacekeeper seemed too similar. Otherwise, this is an experiment run in the hospital. And some people the Augur kidnaps are placed straight in here.
… What are your theories?
no subject
But... it's the nature of the world that feels suspiciously human. I've more or less come to grips with what a simulation is. It's sort of like... a skirmish. Though that's not quite right I don't really know how else to phrase it.
[Hubert raps his fingers on the table trying to grasp just what it is he's trying to say in this new world with all these new phrases and things.]
What I'm trying to get to is that... I find that simulation, in this setting, may or may not be literal. There is a push for intimacy. Not a heavy handed push but if you want to live a better life one simply must. You are rewarded for performing. You are rewarded even more for performing certain things.
I would bet my coin that this is some sort of... sport. And we are all the players. Surely they are watching... And I believe it would explain how things come so freely. People pay to watch or see certain performances and thus the players in turn are rewarded for their deeds. Clothing. Pets. It all recycles itself. This is, of course, a much more elaborate setting and scene than anything back home in the seedy underbellies but the idea is the same.
This is a sporting event for lack of better terms. I can't say if participating is good or not. I haven't been here long enough. And it's just a theory, of course. But I don't think I'm completely off the mark.
[Someone, or more than likely, many someones are using the people they've brought here for some kind of sick enjoyment.]
no subject
[ But he’s caught something and pieced it together; ]
There aren’t individuals from your reality, here - but rather, individuals you recognize, but from a different time or series of events than you recall.
Fascinating.
What version of events do you remember? [ It’s a somewhat rhetorical question. Unless this stranger knew a specific subset of people here - it’s likely his history will be meaningless to Zechs. But it’d be a point of data. ]
no subject
Well, there are, technically, those from my version of events. They are no friends you can make certain of that. It's so very novel to see your murderers and conquerors.
[The bitterness doesn't exist this time around. He keeps his voice level and neutral as he usually does. Not even any hint of sarcasm.]
If you're interested in the short version... My home was engaged in a war with two other nations. The Kingdom Army marched upon the gates of the Empire where I stood giving my life for my Lady in hopes that she would live even if I fell. I know not how that battle ended or if she survived and won. For now, until I am told otherwise, I will keep the faith that she succeeded and was able to carry out her goals. Or at least has an opportunity to start over.
Not so uncommon a tale, I imagine. There seems to be a rather large amount of soldiers and warriors here.
no subject
[ But, the combination of those things. And the sheer number of individuals from a certain world, or differing timelines. ]
[ It was a leap of logic - but with his brow furrowed, hands clasped beneath his chin, Zechs had only one question. ]
Was the Lady you had given your life in support for named Edelgard?
no subject
Emperor Edelgard, yes. That is who I faithfully serve.
no subject
[ Was he dealing to a good man loyal to evil acts, like Noin had stood by his side to watch? Or was he a ruthless man who’d enable whatever darkness was necessary, like Une could be for Treize? ]
[ After a moment’s silence - he admitted, serious and calm in tone: ]
I have been compared to her. With sympathy to your Empress and myself - but not favorably.
Our worlds are quite foreign to each other, in the technology I’ve seen and the magic many of you possess … but the death and devastation our conflicts brought are incredibly similar.
The patterns of choices made, in the name of greater good, are similar.
[ He raised his head to look at him squarely. ]
I don’t fault you for your loyalties. And any soldier’s past is soaked with blood.
What will you choose to here, where your conflicts are a painful memory?
[ Where he said he had no friendships. Zechs’ gaze was steady, listening. ]
no subject
But before he answers that question he must first defend his lady's possibly damaged name.]
I do not know what you've have heard of Emperor Edelgard. But if I am the only one of my contingent then whatever you have heard will be remarkably one sided. I know and am aware that her actions to all others will speak of violence and warmongering. But that, at the end of all things, was not her goal. But sometimes you must overturn an entire foundation to right the wrongs of the world. That is all she wanted to do. She who has suffered more than any person I know wanted to make it so others did not experience what she did. It required blood and sacrifice but the results would have made our world so much better.
As for my path here... [Difficult to answer.] I have only known loyalty and servitude to her. Without her shadow I am unfamiliar where to go. And as someone who is keenly aware of his own demise returning home seems... unlikely. My position here is unfortunate indeed. But... if she is not here then I think I would try to find a way to get to her. Surely she must be there somewhere. Her dreams still needing to be fulfilled and I will see it done.
no subject
[ He spoke with the firmness as when he commanded White Fang. As when he declared war on Earth itself. ]
Why else would we have been compared? You prejudge those who once stood against you. I was informed her goals were to unite the world for a common good. To rid the world of a cracked foundation. I am certain she believed she was just.
I was also once willing to sacrifice an entire world for a singular vision. I had suffered. I had seen the world suffer. I would end it forever. And I know better than your opponents - merely having a virtuous vision does not always justify the price that must be paid.
I speak not to dissuade you from your past actions. But to consider your enemies are not as unsympathetic as you imagine. That they can acknowledge her vision and suffering alike while still desiring to find different means.
Will you bring your war here, far from your reality and time?
no subject
He has no need of their sympathies anyway.]
There is no war to wage if she is not here. And even then... We're not warmongers. We did not start a war for the fun of it. We did it because it was our only choice. The only thing that could be done. To free the world from the clutches of the church so that everyone could walk a better path.
If she arrived here this very moment and wanted to start a war here I would advice that perhaps it would not be the best course of action. I would advise strategy. Espionage and tactics that were not combat related. We, after all, have not the means to siege.
In the end I am hers to command and I would do what was asked of me at the end of all things. That being said... I know her well enough to know that she would not come here with war in mind.
Despite the circumstances and concerns that we have already discussed I would throw myself to the wolves to see that she lived her life in all the peace and comfort she deserves without having to sully herself in return, unless that be her wish.
If this is to be our end... I wish only for her comfort and happiness and I would give my all to see that for her.
no subject
And know that whether I speak of them, or you, or even Edelgard - whom I had only met briefly before - I would urge peace. This place is terrible enough, a torment enough, without bringing old battles and opening old wounds.
If I am granted a second chance here - if I have been forgiven for all that I had done and intended to do - so could she, and with better justifications for that sympathy and forgiveness than I. I believe that’s the foundation for the relationships she’d built on the Nameless Island.
And I would hear more of your thoughts on your side of the conflict as well. I would know your name and hopefully meet Edelgard in a place that is not this hell, someday.
But if you should raise weapon or magic against any I care for, this regard between veterans of war will be shattered.
no subject
Enough. I have been quite civil by my standards. But I have been mocked and goaded at every passing turn. Edelgard's very name and former presence was used specifically to bait me into action. [Hubert places his hands upon the table and stands.] I have no qualms about being everyone's fantasy story villain. It was a part I was raised to play for my Lady's sake. But I will not be lectured on how to be a good boy in the face of the people who killed me and invaded my home. Especially when they have nearly all been the ones to strike first.
I am faced with my killers. I am faced with people who I thought were my friends who actually fought against me on the other side. And still... I need to be the one on my best behavior. You insult me.
[It was days ago that he died in battle. And immediately he is faced with his killers. To be chided at to not strike out against those that have done him great harm. Who have been absurdly cruel for no good reason. He will not have it.
He doesn't care if people want to be nasty. He is more than capable of being the same sort of petty back. But this is a step too far on his pride.]
My name matters not. And I shall not give it. Thank you for the civil conversation, at the very least.
no subject
[ Still. While he’s been more of his father’s son during these last few minutes than he’s been in … years, he can’t let that slide. His eyes narrowed slightly. ]
I have neither mocked nor goaded you. I have certainly not baited you. I’ve been more honest about my past with you, a stranger, than I am with most because I believed you would understand it. It’s in that way I’ve used her name with respect.
And do not speak to me as if being a villain makes you a martyr. That, too, was a part I played and it was folly. I do not fault you for your loyalty, I’ve made that clear. But pretending I’ve insulted you to hide behind a mask of pride? That is what I find especially foolish now.
I cannot speak for what others have done, or said. But rejecting my civility and plea for peace in a place we have to literally fuck to survive - an inherently ridiculous situation no one wants to cope with - think on that for a while.
I’m not even suggesting you must be civil with your enemies. I’m recommending everyone not attack each other when there is nothing to be gained for it.
[ Likewise, he also got to his feet. He thought he was being baited before? Zechs specifically avoided mentioning that whom he loves - he wanted to speak to him as the outside party he is. But Zechs was also serious about not allowing any harm to come to him; ]
You refuse me the civility of a name - but I shall remain so civil with you.
My name is Zechs Merquise. Soon to be Zechs Merquise-Gloucester.
no subject
[It's not as if he has the means. Not to mention he's very much on his own. Thrilling as it is to crush all of Lady Edelgard's enemies from all different branches... it's beyond him. And he must simply let things be. But that doesn't mean that he has to be happy about it. Or like it.]
Gloucester... [It takes a lot of strength to be neutral in both expression and voice but he does manage. A restrained reaction that's worthy of a pat on the back if he does say so himself. Self congratulations aside what was just said to him... That is absolutely bait and he knows it.] You should discuss with your fiance what was said to me and see why I will continue to reject said peace.
[And with that Hubert offers a very small if not rigidly polite bow before turning on his heel.]
no subject
[ But his expression didn't change, remained polite and diplomatic - until he implied that Lorenz had said something to help provoke this behavior. ]
[ Zechs didn't look angry. He didn't look offended, or annoyed, or even smug about his fiance having a perhaps goading word to say. No, instead - ]
[ His face went unnaturally calm and still. The sort of still smoothness that indifference has - like the vacuum of space or the frigid surface of Mars - inhospitable to anyone ill prepared for it. ]
[ And his voice, like those sorts of unforgiving environments - was calm but cold. Zechs was not saying anything as a threat. Rather, he stated a fact. ]
That will not be the only thing we discuss.